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fractious - (of a group or organization) difficult to control; unruly

Kaitlin's children were a fractious group that were always fighting in the back seat.

verb

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renounce - To formally declare one is giving up and abandoning a claim, a right, or possession

To start her diet she made a resolution to herself that she would renounce cake for a month.

verb

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mock - To tease or laugh at in a scornful or contemptuous manner

While the professor wrote the math formula on the board, one of the students mocked him behind his back as the other students laughed.

adjective

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confrontational - Tending to deal with situations in an aggressive or argumentative way.

The manager’s confrontational tone created tension among the staff.

adjective

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contentious - Likely to cause disagreement or argument

When the parents invited the whole clan for Thanksgiving, they asked everyone to try to get along, and to avoid discussing contentious topics.

adjective

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dismissive - Showing that one doesn't think a person or thing is important or worth considering

Fred didn't mind not getting the job as much as the dismissive way the employer told him.

verb

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spurn - To reject and push away with disdain, scorn, and contempt

The boss spurned his employee when the employee asked to see the confidential memo.

adjective

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sarcastic - Describing a tone or remark that is intended to mock, criticize, or convey disdain in a humorous or cutting manner.

When he said, "Oh, great, another meeting," his tone was sarcastic, clearly showing that he wasn’t excited at all.

noun

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slur - An insinuation or allegation about someone that is likely to insult them or damage their reputation

While running for mayor, Arnie ignored the constant slurs against him by the local press, as if it was beneath his dignity to pay any attention to it.

noun

See verb

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snarl - An act or sound of snarling

Whenever Patty's dog would try to make a snarl at intruders, it ended up looking like a grin.

verb

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confront - To deal directly with a problem or difficult situation or person.

Instead of avoiding the issue, he chose to confront it head-on.

verb

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scoff - To speak to someone or about something in a scornfully derisive or mocking way

The mayor scoffed at the ridiculous question from the reporter.